In the results, the Renault Espace scored 82% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant, 70% for pedestrian and 80% for safety assist.

Euro NCAP said the passenger compartment of the Espace remained stable in the frontal offset test. Dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of the driver and passenger. However, on the passenger side, structures in the dashboard presented a risk of injury and the car was penalised. In the full-width rigid wall test, all critical body areas were well protected for the driver and protection of the rear seat occupant was good or adequate. And in the side impact barrier test, dummy readings showed good protection of all critical body areas. Tests on the front seats and head restraints indicated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision.

The Espace's autonomous emergency braking system operates from 30km/h upwards so did not qualify for an assessment of its whiplash protection.

Meanwhile the Suzuki Vitara scored figures of 89% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant, 76% for pedestrian and 75% for safety assist.

In its notes, Euro NCAP said that the Vitara scored maximum points for its protection of the passenger dummy in the frontal offset test, with good protection of all body areas. The Vitara scored maximum points in the side impact barrier test with good protection of all critical body areas. Even in the more severe side pole impact, protection was good for all areas and maximum points were scored. Tests on the front seats and head restraints showed good protection against whiplash injury in the event of a rear-end collision and a geometric assessment of the rear seats also indicated good protection.

Euro NCAP added that the Vitara picked up points for its autonomous emergency braking system which operates at the low speeds typical of city driving. However, as the system is not standard equipment, its AEB City functionality did not qualify for inclusion in the assessment.

The Fiat 500X compact crossover was also tested and was awarded 86% for adult occupant protection, 85% for child occupant, 74% for pedestrian and 64% for safety assist.

Commenting on the score for safety assist, Euro NCAP said that electronic stability control is standard equipment, as is a seatbelt reminder for the front and rear seats. However, the optional autonomous emergency braking system was not tested as it’s not standard equipment and Fiat does not expect most cars to be equipped with the system. A lane departure warning system is available as an option. As it is expected to be fitted to most cars sold, it was included in the assessment.

Finally the Mazda2 scored results of 86% for adult occupant protection, 78% for child occupant, 84% for pedestrian and 64% for safety assist.

Euro NCAP said that in the adult occupant protection tests, the passenger compartment of the Mazda 2 remained stable in the frontal offset barrier test. In that test, maximum points were scored for the protection of the passenger dummy and only a fraction of a point was lost for the driver. And maximum points were scored in the side impact barrier test, with good protection of all critical body regions. Even in the more severe side pole impact, protection was good and maximum points were scored. However, like Fiat the low-speed autonomous emergency braking system was not included for the safety assist section as it’s an option.